Cleveland Indians - TeamReport

For the second consecutive day, the Indians got an outstanding start from a young pitcher trying to make an impression with an eye toward winning a spot in the 2013 rotation.

Corey Kluber was outstanding Tuesday in the Indians' 4-3 win over the White Sox. He pitched a career-high seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits to pick up his second major league win.

On Monday night, it was Zach McAllister who had an almost identical line, pitching six innings and allowing two runs on four hits.

Kluber and McAllister are two pitchers who have been in the rotation as a result of the release of Derek Lowe at midseason and the loss of Josh Tomlin to Tommy John surgery in August. Kluber and McAllister are both candidates for starting spots next season, which is why their starts in the second half of this season have been watched so closely by Indians officials.

Neither pitcher has been consistently outstanding, but both have had their moments. In 21 starts, McAllister is 5-8 with a 4.25 ERA. In 11 starts, Kluber is 2-4 with a 5.02 ERA. However, Kluber has gotten better in his last several starts. In his last eight starts, he is 2-3 with a 3.92 ERA.

The two right-handers both figure to be in the mix in spring training. At this point, McAllister appears to be more consistent with his fastball command, while Kluber has the edge in his secondary pitches.

McAllister and Kluber will each have one more start this season to further their cause.

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MLB Team Report - Cleveland Indians - NOTES, QUOTES

--RHP Roberto Hernandez is scheduled to throw a three-inning simulated game Wednesday. Hernandez might pitch one more simulated game, according to manager Manny Acta, but he will not make another start this season. Hernandez has not appeared in a game since spraining his right ankle Aug. 27.

--CF Michael Brantley sat out a second consecutive game due to a groin strain. He is day-to-day.

--OF/1B Russ Canzler has been impressive since being recalled from Class AAA Columbus when the roster was expanded in September. In the Indians' 4-3 win over Chicago on Tuesday, Canzler went 3-for-4 with a double and a home run. In 71 at-bats over 20 games, Canzler is hitting .296 with three home runs and 10 RBI.

--RHP Corey Kluber earned his second major league win Tuesday, pitching seven strong innings in a 4-3 win over the White Sox. Kluber gave up two runs on four hits to improve his record to 2-4 in 11 starts. "He grew as a pitcher today," manager Manny Acta said. "This was a crucial situation for (the White Sox), and Corey was really good."

--RHP Chris Perez pitched the ninth inning of the Indians' 4-3 win over the White Sox, picking up his 37th save, but his first in 12 days. No Indians player has been more affected by the club's second-half collapse than Perez, whose save situations have been few and far between. His save Tuesday was only his second since Sept. 7.

--RHP Vinnie Pestano, who gave up an eighth-inning, three-run home run to Adam Dunn that was the difference in the Indians' 5-4 loss to the White Sox on Monday, had a rematch with Dunn on Tuesday. The two faced off in the eighth inning with the Indians leading 4-2, and this time Pestano struck out Dunn. "Same situation. Today Vinnie got the job done," manager Manny Acta said.

BY THE NUMBERS: 50-13 -- The Indians' record when they out-hit their opponents. When their opponents out-hit them, the Indians are 10-74.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's an evaluation process now. We have to see what we have for next year." -- Manager Manny Acta, on the many young players the Indians are looking at in September.

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MLB Team Report - Cleveland Indians - ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--CF Michael Brantley (groin strain) did not play Sept. 24-25. He is day-to-day.

--INF Jason Donald (bruised right forearm) left the Sept. 14 game, and he didn't play Sept. 15-25. He is day-to-day.

--RHP Roberto Hernandez (sprained right ankle) left his Aug. 27 start, and he hasn't pitched since. He will throw a simulated game Sept. 26, but he won't return to action this season.

--RHP Josh Tomlin (right elbow inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Aug. 13. He underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery Aug. 22, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on Sept. 9.

--LHP Rafael Perez (strained left lat muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 26. He was cleared to resume a throwing program in mid-June. He began a rehab assignment with Class AA Akron on July 14, then pitched for Class AAA Columbus on July 18. He pitched again for Akron on July 23. He was shut down in late July due to shoulder fatigue. Perez began a new rehab assignment with Class AAA Columbus on Aug. 11, but a sprained right ankle kept him from pitching again through the end of the minor league season. He was shut down for the year in mid-September due to a sore left shoulder.

--OF Grady Sizemore (back surgery in March 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list April 4. He was cleared to begin baseball activities in late April and took live batting practice May 16. His rehab was slowed in early June, and he had another setback in late August. He won't play this year.

--RHP Carlos Carrasco (Tommy John surgery in September 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list March 26. He threw a bullpen session June 27. He began a rehab assignment with Class AA Akron on Sept. 5.